Against the Odds magazine investigates military history from a broad
perspective. The economic, political, religious
and social aspects of warfare are examined
in concert with events on the battlefield.

Each issue of ATO features:

Informative and insightful articles showcasing the history
behind events, plus regular columns by noted game
designers providing insight on the latest trends
and events.

A challenging, fun wargame that drops the players
into truly desperate situations but gives them
multiple options to alter history.

Professionally printed graphics, complete with large playing map
and 200 to 360 die cut playing pieces.

And much more!
Look for Against the Odds to cover simulation design issues,
order of battle research, rule writing, play
testing and graphic techniques as it evolves.
Get yourself truly "connected" with games and
gaming by subscribing to Against the Odds!

The Japanese Way of War Pack

Three ziplock back issues for just $70.00!

In war's desperate times, it's not unusual for commanders to exhort their troops to fight to "the last man" or "the last bullet."

The times when this actually happens are few and far between...

...except with the Japanese "way of war." For the Japanese soldier, these kinds of orders were the rule, not the exception.

Is it philosophy or tactical mind-set? Or both? Now you can take a closer look, with three distinctly different WWII situations, pitching the Japanese against a variety of opponents, with a great "package deal" that is almost "buy two, get one free." A great way to pick up back issues you've been meaning to get, and also great as a gift to introduce a friend to ATO.

Forlorn Hopes

Most Americans can easily name Pearl Harbor as the most successful Japanese attack of the war. But what campaign truly represents the "high tide" of the Japanese Empire?....

That would be their successful conquest of the Dutch East Indies, one of their most strategically vital targets for the oil and rubber it could provide.

Islands of the Damned

Any study of the early weeks of WW2 in the Pacific is certain to notice the campaign for Wake Island, referred to in those dark days as “the Alamo of the Pacific.” As a contrast, few studies of WW2 in the Pacific will even mention the Battle of Peleliu, an island of marginal value, which might not have been attacked at all, except those in charge expected it to be so easy.

The designer tackles both battles in a pair of solitaire games with innovative systems that challenge the player to mix boldness with good tactics. They must gain objectives but minimize casualties...as the historical commanders would have liked to do.

Chennault's First Fight

The sudden attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, the devastating air raids in the Philippines the next day, as well as the loss of Great Britain's battleships Repulse and Price of Wales revealed Allied forces incapable of resistance to the Japanese onslaught.

Only in China were there Americans ready and able to fight. Here, a small group of mercenary airmen and ground crew, desperately outnumbered, but led by Claire Chennault, a man who had been vilified while in the US Army Air Force, met with success in the opening weeks of the war. Their legend, that of the Flying Tigers, still lives on today.